T is that time of year again when the new Barclays Premier League season is set to begin. This year the most exciting league in the world returns after an international football-filled break of three months since last May. We will look at the teams expected to grab headlines at both ends of the table.

Top five teams

Manchester City: City are the defending champions and still has the most impressive squad at their disposal, as such they are rightly the bookie’s favourites to win again. So far, the team has only added Fernando from FC Porto. Surely some degree of change is needed for City to be successful again.

Player to Watch:

Yaya Toure

Liverpool: After finishing second last season it is felt by many that Liverpool over-achieved. Barcelona-bound Luis Suarez’ 31 goals played a major role but the team will sorely miss him. The players around Suarez will improve while several great signings have been made but his goals will not be replaced; defensive issues also remain.

Player to Watch: Phillipe Coutinho

Chelsea: With the transfers of Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, Felipe Luis completed and the return of Thibaut Courtois and Didier Drogba confirmed, it seems the Blues have had the most impressive summer of transactions. For Jose Mourinho question marks do remain over the team’s attacking potency and also fitting both Oscar and Fabregas in the same midfield.

Player to Watch: Francesc Fabregas

Arsenal: The Gunners have also endured an impressive summer with the arrivals of Alexis Sanchez, David Ospina, youngster Calum Chambers and the return of Joel Campbell while another big name signing is expected. Crucially, the area needing most help is the underside of the midfield and defence. Despite this, it is refreshing to see Arsene Wenger splashing the cash.

Player to Watch: Alexis Sanchez

Manchester United: A seventh-placed finish last season was a disaster. Enter Louis van Gaal; his ambition is to finish at the top of the league table in his first season – staying true to form. More signings to Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera is needed before he can think of winning.

Player to Watch:

Juan Mata

Relegation strugglers

Burnley: Second place in the Championship meant straight promotion into the Premier League and cash from television rights. With that said, the current squad is just not good enough.

West Bromwich Albion: It has been a summer of change for the Baggies after finishing 17th last season. A new manager has come in, a record fee signing in striker Brown Ideye and a new look defence. However, a foreign striker will not solve goal-scoring problems.

Leicester City: A club record 102 points in the Championship and only two losses at home last season were features of Leicester City’s impressive second-tier triumph. Coach Nigel Pearson aside, this team lacks experience required in the top flight.

— Alexei DaCosta